Category Archives: Valentine’s Day

Benjamin Figarède, Cocoa Sourcing Ambassador for Valrhona Chocolate | #TCTalks 65

Travelling the globe in search of the world’s best cocoa, Benjamin Figarède works in the sourcing department for French premium chocolate manufacturer Valrhona. He sees himself as an ambassador, creating bonds between small holder cocoa farmers and the craft chocolate … Continue reading

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Good Stuff #85

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down (which a bit of a Valentine’s Day spin) on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Valentine, You *Readly* My Mind!



Stuck for Valentine’s Day ideas? Or maybe you’re looking to seal the deal with a little something extra to what you’ve already lined up? Be sure to keep Readly in mind for you and your better half, especially if you both love to read and to travel. Continue reading

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Valentine Variations



Flowers … chocolate … candlelit dinners … romantic getaways … you know the score! And you should well aware that the 14th of February 14th will be here soon. Yes, V-Day is coming. Are you ready? Continue reading

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Win a Bottle a Manchester Raspberry Infused Gin

Just in time for Valentine’s, I’ve got a beautiful bottle of Manchester Raspberry Infused Gin to give away. Continue reading

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Infographic: Popular Aphrodisiac Foods for British Couples

Oysters, strawberries and sweet treats may be what we traditionally associate as the foods of love, but the British couples are far more likely to go for a juicy steak, roast dinner or spicy curry to get in the mood. Continue reading

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Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at The Langham London

Langham London Head Pastry Chef, Andrew Gravett, will open his kitchen to small groups as part of a one-time-only Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea. Continue reading

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Win a Valentine Sleekster Box of Chocolates from Hotel Chocolat

Have a happy Valentine’s Day with that special someone enjoying a Valentine Sleekster box of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat. I’ve got one set aside as a prize for one lucky tikichris reader. Continue reading

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Dinner and a Show at Circus, Endell Street

Dinner and a show! That’s what’s on offer at Circus on Endell Street. Continue reading

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The Art of the Romantic Getaway (Miles Away)

Love is in the air! And we’re here to help make sure your Valentine’s Day is the best yet. Traveling as a couple offers the chance to discover what makes each of you tick while adding to a reservoir of lifelong happy memories as you experience new and exciting things together. Continue reading

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Win a £150 Gift Card from Pocket High Street for Valentine’s Day

I’ve teamed up with the folks at PocketHighStreet.com again to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a £150 gift card to spend at the best independent shops in London. Continue reading

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Win The Valentine’s Sleekster from Hotel Chocolat

British cocoa grower and chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat, has launched its 2017 Valentine’s collection with a delectable range of chocolaty gifts to share with your special someone. Fancy a taste for free? Continue reading

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Win a #LevantineValentine Dinner for Two at Ceru

Would you like to have a tasty dinner with a special someone at Ceru? I’ve teamed up with the restaurant to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a free dinner for two with welcome cocktails and carafe of wine at this new restaurant with a gorgeous menu Inspired by the flavours of the coastal eastern Mediterranean. Continue reading

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Fleurs des Rêves: Bompas & Parr X Perrier-Jouët at The London Edition

Dudes. Listen up. Dark forces are at work. No longer is it going to be a safe bet to selecting some nice flowers to offer to your beloved. Now – compliments of a luxury trio consisting of Bompas & Parr, The London Edition, and Perrier-Jouët – you might have to make sure your chosen blooms aren’t of the ordinary hum-drum one constant colour variety but newfangled and fascinating colour changing Fleurs des Rêves. Continue reading

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Good Stuff #51

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on some fine things to see, sip or savour – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

Posted in Bars, Beer, Books, Chocolate, Coffee, Drink, Food, Good Stuff, London, Recipes, Restaurants, Shopping, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Win Dinner at Diciannove Plus Drinks in a Private Vault at Voltaire Cocktail Bar

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, I’ve teamed up with London Crowne Plaza – The City on the north end of Blackfriars Bridge to offer one couple a free night out including a romantic dinner for two at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Diciannove, followed by drinks in your own private vault at its cocktail bar, Voltaire. Continue reading

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The Whitworth Reopens: It’s a Happy Valentine’s Day for Manchester’s Art Lovers

Following a £15 million development that doubled its size and created new spaces for celebrating art and “embracing the park it calls home,” The Whitworth in Manchester will reopen its doors to the public on February the 14th. After checking out the gallery’s new digs and all the ace art on view there earlier this week at a press preview, I reckon Mancunian art lovers should prepare for a very happy Valentine’s weekend! Continue reading

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Romance Is “In the Bag” with Brompton Food Market

Leila Dukes loves eating out at restaurants, but there’s one day of the year when she reckons it’s best to avoid them at all costs. Continue reading

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Plan Your Romantic Day in London (OneTravel)

Will you be planning Valentine’s Day with your sweetie in London? Make it a day to remember with this list of a few of the most romantic settings … Read my complete post at OneTravel.

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Clementine Communications Showcase: Good Stuff!

Good stuff and lots of it! Here’s the low down on a few of the many fine things to sip or savour which I’ve recently come across during the Clementine Communications showcase of clients at the end of last month and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy. Continue reading

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Get a Free Hot Chocolate at Hotel Chocolat Cafes All Valentine’s Week!

To show my readers how much I appreciate each and every one of you for supporting my blog, I’ve come up with a sweetheart of an offer that’s good all Valentine’s Week: FREE hot chocolate from Hotel Chocolat! Continue reading

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Win a Personalised Valentine’s Hamper from Hans Sloane Chocolate

Melt that special someone’s heart this Valentine’s Day with a personalised Hans Sloane Valentine’s Hamper, featuring two exclusive Rich Dark Drinking Chocolate Hearts, inscribed with your initials Continue reading

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Win a Seven Dials Shopping Spree Worth £100 + Dinner for Two at Flesh & Buns

Wanna shop like a chic Brit and chow down like a Japanese rock star in one of London’s most stylish and centrally situated locations? And all for FREE?!? Check it out – I’ve got a £100 Seven Dials gift card plus dinner for two at Flesh & Buns to share with one lucky reader. Keep reading for your chance to win. Continue reading

Posted in Chocolate, Coffee, Competition, Drink, Fashion, Food, Freebies, London, Pubs, Restaurants, Shopping, Valentine's Day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Win Hotel Chocolat’s From Sunrise to Sunset Giftbox Worth £50

Hotel Chocolat’s From Sunrise to Sunset giftbox has “everything you need to create the perfect day for the one you love, from a sensual shower at sunrise to a sparkling drink at sunset”. An ideal Valentine’s gift for the fine chocolate lover in your life, the Sunrise to Sunset giftbox runs at a very reasonable £50 – but I’ve got a freebie to share with one lucky reader. Keep reading to find out how you can score one of these all-day fantastic and romantic chocolate gift sets. Continue reading

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Win a “Heart to Heart” Artisan Cheese Gift Set from Godminster

Just in time for Valentine’s, artisan cheese maker – Godminster – has launched a new Heart to Heart gift set. This “loving combination” of 200g Vintage Organic Cheddar and 150g Organic Brie, features these two heart shaped cheeses packaged together in a special gift box. Do you ♥ cheese? Keep reading for a chance to win a free Godminster Heart to Heart gift set. Continue reading

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I’ve Got an £80 Groupon Voucher to Give One Reader

Get £80 of Groupon Love with @tikichris Continue reading

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London Daily Photo: Dolls

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London Daily Photo: River Lover

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Wine of the Month: 2011 Monte delle Vigne Lambrusco 2011

It’s crimson and velvety. It sparkles. It even comes from the ancestral lands of St Valentine. So why Lambrusco isn’t the official wine for couples celebrating Valentine’s Day is a bit beyond me. Having recently tried Monte delle Vigne Lambrusco 2011 during a low key and rather romantic evening out, I thought this lightly frizzante vino rosso would make a fine choice for February’s Wine of the Month. Continue reading

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Limited Edition Hand-Coloured Woodcut Print: “Lovers” by Sweet Toof

The Lovers, a new hand-coloured woodcut print by East London street artist, Sweet Toof Continue reading

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Four Sweet Eateries for Edinburgh Lovers (CheapOair)

Lovebirds looking for a romantic restaurant in Edinburgh for Valentine’s Day are spoilt for choice. That is if they act fast to make a reservation. There are plenty of great places to enjoy a delicious meal in an intimate and elegant setting. Here’s a list of four brilliant Edinburgh eateries to visit with your sweetheart. Continue reading

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Best Macarons in London? Pierre Hermé. (OneTravel)

Luckily for the sophisticated sweet tooth in London, there are two venues offering the opportunity to purchase Pierre Hermé’s macarons. There’s his own boutique in ultra upscale Belgravia as well as a concession on the ground floor of the world famous department store, Selfridges. His few other boutiques are dotted here and there in Japan, the Emirates and, of course, throughout France. Continue reading

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London’s Finest Chocolate (OneTravel)

… the proof is truly in the truffle. Here’s a cream-of-the-crop list of some of London’s finest of the fine chocolate shop offerings. And just in time for Valentine’s Day too! Read my complete post at the OneTravel blog.

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Four Fine Dines for London Valentines (CheapOair)

Here are four tried and true safe bet restaurants in central London that I think have the right mix of food and drink, ambiance and service for a memorable night out with that special someone in your life. Read my … Continue reading

Posted in CheapOair, Drink, Food, London, Restaurants, Travel, Valentine's Day, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pierre Hermé’s Masterful Macarons (Great British Chefs)

… it’s not just me raving about Hermé’s confections. The Guardian considers him the ‘king of modern pâtisserie’ while the New York Times ups his status to ‘kitchen emperor’ and Vogue reckons he’s the ‘Picasso of pastry’. Hyperbolic to be sure, but I … Continue reading

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